Ice Skating in London
What’s more wintry than a spin on skates? Outdoor ice rinks pop up all over London in November, with family friendly extras like skating lessons, cosy cafes and skate aids to help kids get around the rink (and save your back!). Wherever you are in London there’s an ice skating spot near you.
Glide at Battersea Power Station
Where: Circus Rd W, Nine Elms, SW8 5BN
Featuring: Catch views of the Thames as you skate around three interconnecting riverside rinks surrounded by twinkling lights and a 30ft Christmas tree. Apres skate you enjoy live entertainment, hop on a vintage funfair ride, chill out with a mulled wine in a bar made of glass for optimum views.
When: Until 5 January 2025
More info: website
JW3 Ice Rink
Where: 341-351 Finchley Road, NW3 6ET
Featuring: This popular pop-up rink will have coverage for the first time this year (held in the new Dorfman Piazza) so good for all-weather fun! Penguin stabilisers or banana toboggans can be pre-booked to help out little ones less confident on ice.
When: 8 December – 5 January 2025
More info: website
Somerset House Skate
Where: Strand, WC2R 1LA
Featuring: Outdoor skating in Somerset House’s gorgeous courtyard towered over by a 40ft tree. Take a break with a hot chocolate or mulled wine in the festive Skate Lounge overlooking the rink or enjoy the alpine themed restaurant. Relaxed skate sessions, wheelchair-user skate sessions skate school and kids’ skate club all offered. Check out a special pop-up store from Shelter featuring a selection of pre-loved clothing, homewares and gifts An excellent spot to set off from for a walking tour of London’s Christmas lights!
When: Until 12 January 2025
More info: website
Ice Rink Canary Wharf
Where: Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5AB.
Featuring: Amongst the towering buildings of Canary Wharf you’ll find a fully covered open-air outdoor ice rink, ideal for all-weather skating amongst twinkling lights, mirror ball and a lit up tree. The clear roof allows for views of Canary Wharf all around you! Warm up in the heated alpine-themed bar with DJs on Thursday and Saturdays.
When: Until 23 February 2025
More info: website
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Ice Rink
Where: Winter Wonderland site in Hyde Park, W2 2UH
Featuring: The UK’s largest outdoor ice rink! Set under a canopy of twinkly lights and built around the iconic Victorian bandstand, you can hit the ice from 10:00am to 10:00pm daily. Live music performances and penguin skate aides to hire. Note you need a admission ticket to Winter Wonderland to access skating rink, there are some free off-peak slots!
When: Until 5 January 2025
More info: website
Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink
Where: East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 9AU
Featuring: Enjoy outdoor ice skating in front of the magnificent Tudor palace of Henry VIII, lit up for the holidays. Festive refreshments available at the onsite Ice Café and Bar
When: Until 5 January 2025
More info: website
Winter Festival at Brent Cross Ice Rink
Where: Brent Cross Shopping Centre, London, NW4 3FP
Featuring: A festive standalone ice rink has taken over the John Lewis car park at this shopping centre. You could skate on the covered all-weather rink and then do some Christmas shopping. Skate aids available to hire on a first come, first served basis.
When: Until 5 January 2025
More info: website
Alexandra Palace Ice Rink
Where: Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY
Featuring: Indoor all-weather skating, ice skating classes, Ice Café, ice disco on Saturday nights, and birthday party bookings. Festive Skate and special festive disco sessions (ages 14+) are bookable from 11 December to 5 January: enjoy whizzing or stumbling around the rink beneath a giant Christmas tree to your favourite festive tunes.
When: Open year-round. (Closed 24-27 Nov for improvement works)
More info: website
The Queen’s House Ice Rink
(Closed for winter 2024)
Where: Romney Road, Greenwich, SE10 9NF
Featuring: Located within a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the majestic grounds of Royal Museums Greenwich. Offers striking views while you skate of old and new London – Canary Wharf to the north and Greenwich Park to the south. Tiny Tots and Relaxed Rink sessions are offered. Festive food and drink served at a rinkside Benugo cafe.
Festive Family Day 25 November featuring ice fairies, ice crystal craft workshop, face painting, and a festive choir performing.
When: Closed this year, check back next year!
More info: website
Skate West End
(Closed for winter 2024)
Where: Hanover Square, near Oxford Circus, W1S 1JA
Featuring: Like a festive frosty lazy river, this uniquely designed elliptical rink is surrounded by historic buildings in the heart of the West End. A bar in the centre of the square is serving up hot drinks and tipples. This rink is supporting Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity.
When: Closed this year, check back next year!
More info: website
*Post updated 21 November 2024
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